Solar sails can provide feasible propulsion light-years outside the solar system
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 66/100
Multiple studies indicate that solar and light sails hold strong theoretical and technical feasibility for enabling interstellar missions and traveling light-years beyond the solar system.
Evidence for · 4
Design and application of solar sailing: A review on key technologies
2022 · cited by 122
Reviews solar sailing and highlights its great potential for interstellar explorations and key technological advancements in propulsion and transfer.
Evidence against · 1
‘Oumuamua as a light sail: Evidence against artificial origin
2021 · cited by 6
Argues that natural light sails cannot reach speeds representing a large fraction of the speed of light, implying severe limitations on rapid interstellar travel for certain conceptual masses.
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More for · 3
Low-cost precursor of an interstellar mission
2020 · cited by 17
Demonstrates theoretically that ultra-lightweight aerographite solar sails can achieve interstellar escape speeds to reach distances like Pluto and Proxima Centauri.
A Roadmap to Interstellar Flight
2016 · cited by 13
Proposes a roadmap for utilizing directed energy propulsion and light sails to send relativistic probes to the nearest stars.
Status of Solar Sail Propulsion: Moving Toward an Interstellar Probe
2007 · cited by 4
Describes how advanced, ultralightweight solar sail concepts can accelerate robotic probes toward interstellar space.